The article examines a recent national conference held by Advance Australia, an organization criticized for its divisive rhetoric. The conference, themed 'evolve', allegedly aimed to take Australia back to a mythical past rather than fostering true social cohesion. Leaked recordings from the event suggest that the group promotes a perspective that portrays the West, particularly Australia, as being in crisis, with Advance claiming to offer solutions. Such messaging sends a discouraging signal amid current political discussions centered on unifying the nation against hate speech and division.

The speeches delivered at the conference emphasized the need for traditional values, with Victorian state Liberal MP Moira Deeming advocating for a family-centric view of an 'evolved' Australia. Furthermore, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's call to end mass immigration highlighted a concerning trend toward exclusionary politics that could deepen societal divides rather than address the issues of social unity. This aligns with broader political sentiments within certain groups that prioritize a nativist, almost retrogressive agenda, which advocates for policies that many consider harmful to multiculturalism and social justice.

Overall, the article raises alarms about the implications of such gatherings for Australian society. It stresses that while there are calls for social cohesion by politicians, groups like Advance Australia challenge this narrative, potentially undermining efforts to cultivate an inclusive and diverse nation. As such, the discussion around their influence in Australian politics becomes increasingly relevant, and the need for vigilant responses to their tactics is underscored.